Janus Words for January

I’m a word nerd.  I love them.  I keep files of cool words and will text myself ones I come across when reading for further reflection.  I’ve been known to look up words in the middle of the night, which means I must dream about them.  Yes – Word NERD!  I love anagrams, puns, and word etymology.  And French words and phrases...don’t get me started!  Nothing is more fun to drop in casual conversation.  Must be a je ne sais quoi thing.

So for January, I thought it would be fun to write about Janus words.  A Janus word is a contronym or a word with two opposite meanings.  Appropriately named after the Roman god Janus, who is depicted with two opposite faces, Janus words are spelled the same but function as auto-antonyms.

Ten Examples of Janus Words:

• Bolt – to secure OR to run away
• Clip – to separate OR to join
• Fast – firmly fixed OR moving rapidly
• Left – to leave OR to remain
• Oversight – inadvertent mistake OR watchful care
• Rock – to be firm OR to sway or tilt
• Sanction – to allow OR to prohibit
• Screen – to display, such as a film OR to conceal
• Trip – To dance or skip OR to stumble 
• Weather – to endure OR to erode

So get two-faced and create some juicy sentences with Janus words.  Or add to the list.  In the interim, reflect on this sentence: “Because of the teacher’s oversight, the students’ behavior was sanctioned.”  This could be interpreted two different ways as a result of the Janus words oversight and sanctioned.  Either way someone ran a tight ship or got off scot-free.  How I loved that latter kind of teacher.    

Ahhh…word play!